Baldwin County Thaws Out, Thousands Still Without Power

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –  Thursday’s thaw-out was good news for people in Baldwin County, but the effects of Wednesday’s ice storm can still be felt here.

Thousands are still without power–some trapped at home because of downed trees and power lines.

“We’ve got these power poles in the driveway that have to be out before we can get in and out,” Paul Pennington says.

At Lake Sinclair Thursday afternoon, several trees were still down, and in at least two locations, power lines hung less than 10 feet above the road.  In some places, utility poles had snapped and lines lay on the ground.

“It’s an inconvenience,” Clay Blount says.  “Can’t watch TV, can’t cook food right now with electric stove, unless you have propane.”

People just need somewhere to go. Thursday morning, phones at the Holiday Inn Express were ringing off the hook.

South of Milledgeville, Ledwasia Davis explains her struggle.

“I didn’t have but three percent on my phone,” Davis says.  “Can’t charge my phone. I was like, ‘Lord they’re going to have to do something. They’re going to have to work something out because I need my phone. I need TV.”

For some, power is already restored. Dan Torrance lost power at his house Wednesday morning, but it was back on by Thursday at noon.

“I’ve got two small kids at the house and with no power and nothing to do, it was family bonding time at my house,” Torrance says.  “We played a few card and board games.”

Those still in the dark are doing the best they can to stay positive.

“It’s been something to look at,” Annie Patterson says.  “But I thank the Lord for the day and that we’re all still here and everybody hasn’t lost anything, so far as I know.”

“It’s very cold,” Alan Davis says.  “So we’re just looking for God to bring us through this, because we know He will.”

41NBC spoke with representatives from Georgia Power, Washington County EMC and Tri-County EMC.  All three companies serve Baldwin County and all three are working 24/7 to restore power.

They say most of the work done Wednesday evening was wiped out overnight when temps dipped below freezing.

Crews are working as quickly as possible, but some people may be without power until Saturday.